As a company that sources its designs from local African designers, it was critical for Thando’s to develop more than just an e-Commerce destination for footwear. For Co-Founders Taffi Ayodele and her husband Jibolu ‘J.G.’ Ayodele, giving back to the community that inspired the Thando’s collection of foldable flats for women was just as important as scaling the brand.

10 Retailers Win Store Operations Superstar Awards Retailers are upping their game when it comes to store operations in 2017 and beyond. Facing an increasing number of bankruptcies and store closings, retailers must focus on new digital strategies, omnichannel approaches, employee motivation and a better overall customer experience. In this sixth annual Store Operations Superstar Awards, Retail TouchPoints recognizes companies that have implemented the most innovative, successful store operations strategies in six categories. The winners run the gamut from Tier 1 department stores to specialty retail businesses. 2017 Store Operations Superstar Award Winners Digital InnovationGold: WalmartSilver: Neiman Marcus Loss PreventionGold: 7-Eleven Customer EngagementGold: Big LotsSilver: Cabela's Workforce ManagementGold: Lindt ChocolateSilver: E&H Family Group Store Format InnovationGold: TargetSilver: GameStop Internal OperationsGold: Under Armour Fill out the form below to download the full report! MktoForms2.loadForm("//app-ab21.marketo.com", "212-UPB-292", 2568);

During the 3rd Annual Retail Innovation Conference on May 10, 24 leading retail executives were honored as Retail Innovator Award winners. Now in its 4th year, this award honors business leaders who are embracing positive disruption in retail. Retail TouchPoints received more than 100 nominations for this year's Retail Innovator Awards. Winners hail from a wide cross-section of industry segments and company sizes. These men and women are disrupting the retail industry with new digital and omnichannel initiatives, workforce innovations, unique entrepreneurial concepts and much more. Nominations for the 2018 Retail Innovator Awards are already open: click here to find out more. Awards were given in six categories. The 2017 recipients are: Category: OMNICHANNEL Anthony Luigs, The Home DepotEdward Park, GuessBryce Phillips, evoDan Pingree, MoosejawGregg Throgmartin, FableticsMartijn van der Zee, Suitsupply Category: DIGITAL COMMERCE Wayne Duan, WalgreensSid Jatia, Under ArmourBrita Turner, GodivaAngelo D'Agostino, Wet Seal Category: UX/CX Ben Babcock, Jet.comAamir Baig, ArticleTodd Latz, GoHealth Urgent Care Category: TECHNOLOGY TRAILBLAZERS Jason Morris, WalmartPam Sweeney, Macy's Category: COLLABORATION/OPERATIONS EFFICIENCY Chad McIntosh, Bloomingdale'sJamie Sommerfeld, EXPRESSJason McNary, agnes b.Dennis Vandel, Foot Locker (Champs Sports) Category: LEADERSHIP/SOCIAL Bob Infantino, The Rockport GroupMarc Joseph, DollarDaysIdo Leffler, YoobiSam Sisakhti, UsTrendyMarta Wohrle, Truth In Aging Fill out the…

Retail in 2017 promises to be filled with digital innovation and technology disruption. The companies that will survive in the long term will know when to pull the trigger on the latest solutions while continuing to focus on the basics. Retail TouchPoints recognizes 11 retail companies that are reaching these lofty goals using a variety of customer engagement strategies. Each of this year's winners is focusing on their specific industry segment to satisfy, surprise and delight shoppers. Winners were selected through a nomination process and judged based on four criteria: Unique shopping/promotional offerings Customer engagement strategies Customer analysis Technology innovation Learn more about the winning strategies of the 2017 Customer Engagement Award honorees: Adore MeBooks-A-MillionEverlast WorldwideGuaranteed FoodsGuessJet.comKohl'sMacy'sSamsungSerta SimmonsSuitsupply Fill out the form below to read about the winners! MktoForms2.loadForm("//app-ab21.marketo.com", "212-UPB-292", 1037);

In the fifth annual Store Operations Superstar Awards, Retail TouchPoints is recognizing companies that have implemented the most innovative, successful store operations strategies. They run the gamut from Tier 1 department stores to smaller specialty retail businesses. This year the winners into four categories: Inventory Optimization/Loss Prevention Customer Engagement Mobile Strategies Workforce Management Gold award winners include: lululemon, rue21 and Talbots. To read the full report, fill out the form below. MktoForms2.loadForm("//app-ab21.marketo.com", "212-UPB-292", 1128);

The past year has been an interesting one for social media users and marketers. Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest have unveiled new advertising offers and capabilities, while networks like Snapchat have established successful partnerships with brands and publishers. The 11 winners of this year's Social Media Maven Awards include the brands and retailers on the bleeding edge of new moves and innovations, constantly testing the limits with their engagement, marketing and service strategies. Brands spotlighted span retail categories, from quick-serve restaurants to convenience stores, jewelry brands and even mattress companies, and they vary in employee count, business structure and annual revenue. Regardless of their size and stature, we believe the 2016 Social Media Maven Award winners will offer some great inspiration as you continue to refine your social media strategies. This year's winners are (in alphabetical order): Adore Me BaubleBar Casper Craftsman Tools Dogeared eBags Kum & Go Lovesac REVOLVEclothing Sperry Taco Bell Complete the form to access the 2016 Social Media Maven Awards! MktoForms2.loadForm("//app-ab21.marketo.com", "212-UPB-292", 1206);  

In its third year, the Retail Innovator Awards honor 36 business leaders who are embracing positive disruption in retail. Retail TouchPoints received more than 100 nominations for its Retail Innovator Awards and the winners hail from a wide cross-section of industry segments and company sizes. These individuals are disrupting the retail industry with new digital initiatives, workforce innovations, unique entrepreneurial concepts and much more.

Retail TouchPoints is proud to announce the 2016 Retail Innovator Award winners. The 36 retail executives were selected after review of more than 100 nominations. In its third year, the Retail Innovator Awards honor business leaders who are embracing positive disruption in retail. All 36 winners will be honored live at the Retail Innovation Conference, which will take place May 10-11, 2016 at the Apella in New York City. Attendees will hear from the winners and learn their success stories and insights into their winning strategies. Seats are limited; retail executives are invited to register while space is still available by clicking here.

Customer engagement has become a key focus for retailers striving for success in today's omnichannel world, and a number of innovative retailers are leading the pack in implementing successful customer engagement strategies. The 2015 Retail TouchPoints Customer Engagement Awards honor 18 of these companies. The winners range from national department store, apparel and electronics chains to highly specialized fashion, lifestyle and gourmet consumable retailers. Despite their differences, what they all have in common is that across the organization — from the supply chain to the mobile screen — each winner has gone the extra mile to delight, surprise and satisfy shoppers.